People across Ireland pay tribute to Pope John Paul II on the day he is laid to rest in Rome.
Pope John Paul II died on 2 April 2005. On 8 April, he was laid to rest in the crypt of St Peter's Basilica following a funeral mass attended by thousands in Rome.
While it was not an official day of mourning in Ireland, much of the country came to a standstill to pay respect to Pope John Paul II. Most schools were closed for the day in Stradbally, County Laois, three national schools came together to celebrate mass for the Pope. In Derry, there was a moment of silence at Guildhall Square. Workers at the Galway based Medtronic company, fire brigade staff in Castlebar and craftsmen at the Waterford Crystal plant all paid their private tributes. Many shops and businesses closed for the morning as a mark of respect.
This was an especially poignant moment for Polish people living in Ireland. In Sligo, it was a time of reflection for many Polish people working in the town with one describing Pope John Paul II as,
A messenger from God on earth.
At the Glanbia plant in Edenderry, County Offaly, Polish workers celebrated mass in the canteen.
People throughout the country watched the funeral live on television and many who did not have to work attended mass.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 April 2005. The reporter is Eileen Magnier.
